As we gather here today, I am filled with gratitude as we mark the end of another fruitful year at St Bede's Primary School. This year has been a journey of growth, learning, and spiritual development for each one of us, and I am honoured to stand before you as we celebrate our achievements and bid farewell to 2023, our Year 6 students and some of our St Bede’s families. 

First and foremost, thank you to our St Bede’s parents. We have been blessed with such wonderfully dedicated parents. From sports coaches, reading helpers and bbq cooks to parent contacts, P&F and Board members, uniform boutique assistants and the list goes on. Thank you to everyone who has helped throughout 2023. Your service is acknowledged and appreciated. 

I would like to make mention of 2 people. Mrs Sarah Crewdson has served the students and staff of St Bede’s for a number of years from the canteen. We appreciate her commitment in providing home cooked meals each Friday. I am pleased to announce that the canteen will continue under the management of Tess Green. Mr Aaron Torline has served on the Board of St Bede’s for quite a number of years, most recently as the Chair. Thank you Aaron for your guidance and wisdom as Board Chair, especially though the darkest times that were faced in 2021.

To our dedicated staff, your commitment to excellence and your unwavering dedication to the wellbeing and education of our students is humbling. Our parents appreciate and know how very lucky we are at St Bede’s to have amazing staff. Your tireless efforts have nurtured minds, inspired hearts, and instilled values that go beyond the classroom. Thank you for being the living examples of our school's mission and for imparting knowledge with both passion and compassion. We will farewell a number of staff shortly, however, I acknowledge Mrs Cathy Ryan. Cathy will officially retire from her position at St Bede’s after faithfully serving and educating the students of St Bede’s for 21 years. Cathy, we wish you well in your retirement and look forward to hearing about your travel adventures. I hope that you appreciate more time with your family and we look forward to seeing you in a casual capacity at St Bede’s in 2024. 

To the students, you are the heart of our school, and it is your enthusiasm, curiosity, and resilience that make our community vibrant and dynamic. This year, you have demonstrated remarkable achievements in academics, sports, arts, and service. Your growth, both academically and spiritually, is a testament to your hard work and the supportive community that surrounds you. As you move forward to 2024, continue to carry the values you have learned and let your light shine for others to see. 

To the parents and families, your partnership with us is invaluable. Your support and collaboration have played a crucial role in the success of our students. Together, we have created a nurturing and empowering environment for our young minds to flourish, and for that, we are truly grateful. We look forward to maintaining these relationships and forming new friendships in 2024.

I wish our Year 6 students, along with any students and their families who are departing St Bede’s all the very best for 2024 and beyond. Whether you were at St Bede’s for 1 year, 7 years, or in the case of some parents, much longer, you will forever remain a part of the St Bede’s family.

As we look ahead to the Christmas break and the challenges and opportunities that the future holds, let us remember the core values that define us. Let these values be the compass that guides us in our endeavours, and may we continue to build a community that reflects the teachings of Christ in all that we do. May the grace of God continue to shine upon us, and may we return next year with renewed energy, purpose, and a shared commitment to the mission of educating our wonderful St Bede’s students.

Regards

Andrew

Season's Greetings, St Bede’s Families.

Wishing you all a joyous holiday filled with love, laughter, and the warmth of cherished moments. May this festive season bring you peace and happiness. Thank you for being part of our wonderful community.

We look forward to seeing you in 2024!

From the staff of St Bede’s

Eamon Kennedy Award

The 2023 Eamon Kennedy Award goes to Bodhan Cherkach.

Carol Thompson Award

The 2023 Carol Thompson Award goes to Elizabeth Mitchell.

Walk In Love & Peace Awards

The Kinder Blue recipient is Chase Coombe.

The Kinder Gold recipient is Darcy Pegram.

The Year 1 Blue recipient is Edward Morales.

The Year 1 Gold recipient is Oleksandr Cherkach.

The Year 2 Blue recipient is Naomi Daetwyler.

The Year 2 Gold recipient is Nora Heffernan.

The Year 3 Blue recipient is Abigail Colley.

The Year 3 Gold recipient is Ignatius Campton.

The Year 4 recipient is Kathryn Thomson.

The Year 5 recipient is Claudia Morales.

The Overall Year 6 Walk in Love & Peace Award recipient is Zalia Novakovic.

Camp Australia will be the new provider of before and after school care at St Bede's in 2024. We look forward to welcoming them as well as developing a new relationship that supports our families.

Should you be interested in care, please register by navigating the Camp Australia website or download the app. To register click on the Book Now button and register a new account. Please note that making a booking will not be possible straight away. CAMP AUSTRALIA LINK

Parents looking to access care are invited to a Parent Information Session on Wednesday 17 January 2024. This is an online meeting that will commence ay 6.30pm and provide an overview of the service and any further updates or instructions. This meeting link will be shared in January.

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Thank you to the P & F and parents helpers for catering such a wonderful event to end our year. It was a perfect night to reconnect and reflect on 2023 and further grow our strong, vibrant community.

Thank you to Jess Mead and Haley Stonham for coordinating the event on behalf of St Bede's. Congratulations to the staff and students for preapring such wonderful items.

Students in K-3 received written letters on Monday afternoon at the conclusion of Step Up indicating what class they have been placed for 2024.

We look forward to welcoming all students K-6 on Wednesday 31 January 2024.

Please be advised that dates have now been finalised for 2024. These dates are for students and mark the first and last day.

Term 1: Wednesday 31 January- Friday 12 April

Term 2: Tuesday 30 April- Friday 5 July

Term 3: Tuesday 23 July- Friday 27 September

Term 4: Monday 14 October- Monday 16 December

Unlock a world of adventure and knowledge this summer by diving into the magic of reading! Books ignite our imaginations and fuel our curiosity. Make reading a part of your summer! Continue to check items off the Summer Reading Checklist.

Kindergarten 2024 students have just completed the Kindy Set Go program for 2023. Our newest students attended St Bede's for 8 intensive days of school readiness. Thank you to Mrs Fox and Miss Mead for their commitment to our weekly sessions and preparing the children for school. We look forward to seeing them in 2024.

In 2024, a short survey will be distributed to all Kindy Set Go families to gather your feedback. We ask that you are open with your feedback as we continue to seek improvement in this wonderful program.